The Sage (Emerson Lake and Palmer) fingerstyle guitar

[Harald Koll]

Emerson Lake and Palmer recorded a live performance of a heavily re-arranged (or deranged) Pictures of an exhibition. Originally this was a series of solo pieces for piano by Mussorgsky. In the midst of the original parts of this work, Greg Lake perfoms a song called The Sage, with an instrumental middle section. This composition is not part of the original Pictures at an Exhibition, but in this setting provides a resting point for the listener.

Many many years ago a transcription of this piece appeared in the German magazine "Fachblatt Musik" I learned to play it at the time, and last year decided to give it a go as an instrumental arrangement. The attempt here was to play as much of the original guitar part, whilst also playing the vocal melody. Hence the stretches in the first part. The second part I didn't consciously alter. Nevertheless the way I play it has changed, as I found out now one of my students is playing the original arrangement.

Anyway, undeliberate changes, and warts and all, I hope you enjoy this one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou8j1zs-LX0

[rick-slo]

Interesting one. Nice playing and thanks for sharing.

[smpetty]

Beautifully arranged and played. I loved it!

Scott

[Harald Koll]

Thanks! Love to play this tune from time to time

[sjoiner]

splendid! top quality integration of emotion and style. i'd very happily listen to more of the same.

[Harald Koll]

Thanks! There is a playlist on my youtube channel with a lot of the recordings I posted here recently. Another playlist features studiorecordings, where you can't see me playing the tune.